If you’ve had your eyes on the headlines recently, it’s likely you’ve noticed an increasing number of celebrities being upfront and owning their cosmetic enhancements. We think this is really exciting.

Celebrities like Bethenny Frankel and Iggy Azalea who decide to talk freely and openly about their BOTOX® Cosmetic injections or breast augmentation procedures are breaking down barriers. You might say they’re normalizing plastic surgery — but then again, there were 15.9 million cosmetic procedures in the United States last year alone, so it’s pretty normal to those folks.

What celebrities are doing is making it easier for our liposuction, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and other Saratoga Springs and Albany patients to feel comfortable talking about their own plastic surgery procedures and treatments. And that’s worth celebrating.

Still, we understand why some patients decide to be discreet, as opening up about surgical and nonsurgical treatments is an incredibly personal decision. Even so, there are a few reasons we hope you’ll want to share your experience:

The Investment. Cosmetic enhancement, whether surgical or nonsurgical, is an investment in your future. For most patients, discussing the financial impact with a loved one is appropriate before making a commitment. In addition, there is the time commitment involved in getting back to your old self, especially with surgical procedures. Having a supportive friend or family member there during your procedure — and throughout the recovery — will make the process much more manageable.

The Results. While you might not be ready to Snapchat your treatment (even though reality stars Snooki and Kendra Wilkinson did), or write a tell-all about your tummy tuck, we hope you feel proud of the decision you’ve made to invest in yourself — proud enough to show off your results.

The Impact. In years past, the plastic surgery industry was viewed as “superficial” or “unnecessary.” But there’s a real effect on your self-esteem and confidence when you decide to undergo a procedure. It’s empowering. Looking to a board-certified plastic surgeon for a little help here and there is certainly nothing to be ashamed of, and we happen to think that taking care of yourself can have a ripple effect in other aspects of your life.

Again, the decision to disclose information about a treatment is personal and often sensitive for many patients. Regardless of what others think, you should make the decision for you and only you. In the end, we hope you feel so confident in your choice that you’ll want to tell the world (or at least your family) in the future.

With more innovation in plastic surgery comes more options, and as it turns out, our Albany and Saratoga Springs patients are as apt to take advantage of those options as Americans in general. In its annual report on procedure statistics, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS) showed that nationwide interest in enhancements to the breasts, body, and face continues to rise. Since 2000, the number of cosmetic procedures performed has more than doubled, driven largely by continued diversity in what’s available to patients.

For example, back in 2000, hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers hadn’t even been approved by the FDA yet (the first, Restylane®, gained approval in 2003) — and last year alone, they were used to perform nearly 2 million procedures. Nonsurgical procedures accounted for 89% of all cosmetic procedures in 2015, with BOTOX® Cosmetic, dermal fillers, and chemical peels all continuing to expand on their popularity with patients.

On the surgical side, breast augmentation continues to hold the top spot, with more than 275,000 women undergoing the procedure. Liposuction, rhinoplasty, and eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) came in not far behind — but the big surprise is that tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) rounded out the top 5. With a 9% increase over last year, abdominoplasty came in at just under 128,000 procedures, edging out face lifts for that fifth spot.

Those trends reflect what we see here in Albany, for the most part. Both breast augmentation and tummy tuck procedures are very popular among our surgical patients, and we are meeting new patients all the time who are interested in nonsurgical treatments.

The survey also showed that patients are choosing from a wider range of treatments in general. “We’re seeing much more diversity in the areas of the body patients are choosing to address,” said ASPS President Dr. David H. Song. That’s true in Albany, as well, where we have added new nonsurgical alternatives for anti-aging and fat reduction in recent years.

These shifts in the past decade beg the question: What innovation will take the plastic surgery field by storm next? The only thing that’s certain is that there are more choices than ever before, and we’re proud to provide so many ways for our patients to look their best and feel more confident.

In a trend that is expected to carry into spring, plunging necklines and oblique-baring silhouettes are dominating the red carpet this award season.

You’d be naïve to think today’s celebrities would hit the red carpet without some touch-ups in their plastic surgeon’s office, whether that means BOTOX® Cosmetic, liposuction, or breast enhancement. But today’s technology has made having a little “work done” less work. Celebs can opt for nonsurgical enhancement and still claim to be free of plastic surgery. And thanks to their lower cost and convenience, people who aren’t celebrities can benefit from these treatments, too.

If wearing a crop top or cutout style this spring would make you feel like The Martian or The Big Short rather than a leading lady, don’t worry. Here are 3 nonsurgical ways to attain a sleeker look without drastic measures:

Ultherapy®: Celebrity skin is tighter than some Hollywood circles thanks to treatments such as Ultherapy. Think of it as way to keep your skin tight as you age and maybe even delay a facelift. Ultherapy uses ultrasound technology to promote the rejuvenation of the most delicate areas of the face, including the chin, neck, and brows. Results are subtle and gradual. In other words, you can keep them guessing.

CoolSculpting®: It’s no longer one of Tinsel Town’s best-kept secrets. Several celebrities have admitted to favoring CoolSculpting for nonsurgical fat reduction, including Molly Sims and Khloe Kardashian. This FDA-cleared, noninvasive alternative to liposuction requires little-to-no downtime, making it perfect for a busy schedule. Patients from Syracuse and the greater Capital Region receive CoolSculpting treatments at our Albany, NY practice to target stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Be sure to check out our before-and-after gallery.

KYBELLA®:KYBELLA is currently one of our most popular nonsurgical treatments. When injected into the area beneath the chin, KYBELLA works to eliminate fat that contributes to a so-called “double chin.” Whether you dare to wear a plunging neckline or just want to feel better in your T-shirt and jeans, KYBELLA can give you that extra boost of confidence.

Another trend we’ve seen recently, both in entertainment headlines and here in Albany, is the increase in body-positive messages. As a plastic surgeon, I have always understood that confidence must come from within, and no procedure, surgical or nonsurgical, is a cure-all for insecurity. I salute celebrities such as Ariel Winter, who made headlines when she bared her breast reduction scars on the red carpet. It’s not my goal to turn you into a celebrity, but to help you feel like a rising star in your own life.

We have all made fashion choices that we regret, especially if you were around in the 70s and 80s. But in most cases we can look back and laugh at the hairstyle and clothing choices we just had to have at the time. In other cases, we are stuck with the lasting effects, such as those that can occur from body piercings.

I have noticed a trend at my Albany plastic surgery practice where men and women are seeking to repair stretched or deformed earlobes.

In some cases, a patient will have noticeable stretching from years of wearing heavy earrings. In more severe instances, we might see a patient who experienced trauma to the earlobe in the form of a tear. It’s not only painful when something like this happens but can result in the inability to wear earrings permanently. We also see patients who have large, droopy holes in their earlobes from wearing ear tunnels, gauges, or other forms of body modification.

Ear stretching has been practiced by cultures around the world for hundreds of years. Today, it is more commonly practiced as a means of personal expression. Many men and women with stretched earlobes sometimes regret the decision later in life for a variety of reasons. Some find it challenging to get hired at new jobs. Others have left that stage of life behind and are looking for a fresh start. Some say it’s as simple as a change in their personal style.

Whatever the reason, earlobe repair is possible. I offer a quick, in-office procedure to correct ear stretching at our Albany office. Earlobe repair is done using local anesthesia and, in most cases, takes no more than an hour. In order to repair the earlobe, a portion of the stretched skin is removed, and the remaining skin is stitched back together. If a patient would like to be able to wear earrings in the future, the ear can be pierced a couple of months afterward.

If you are interested in earlobe repair, I recommend seeking a board-certified plastic surgeon who will have your best aesthetic result in mind. To request a consultation at The Plastic Surgery Group, contact us online.

It used to be that admitting to plastic surgery was a celebrity’s worst nightmare. In the past, many famous people chose to hide their elective procedures for fear of scrutiny in the media. But today, the tides are changing, leaving some to wonder: Is honesty the new best policy when it comes to enhancing your looks?

It’s a conversation I have often with patients in Albany. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I understand the importance of feeling confident about every aspect of your procedure, including how others might react to it.

Recently, 2 famous women have made headlines for their refreshingly honest take on their own surgeries.

Australian rapper Iggy Azalea, who admitted earlier this summer to undergoing breast augmentation, spoke out about plastic surgery in a recent interview with Seventeen magazine. She received praise for her candor, which included this realization:

“Plastic surgery is an emotional journey. It’s no easy feat to live with your flaws and accept yourself — and it’s no easy feat to change yourself. Either way you look at it, it’s a tough journey. There are things that I didn’t like about myself that I changed through surgery. There are other things I dislike but I’ve learned to accept.”

Reality show star Nicole Elizabeth “Snooki” LaValle was equally unashamed when she openly admitted to augmenting her lips. Like Azalea, LaValle also used her experience as opportunity to speak to young women, explaining in an Instagram caption (that included the hashtag #noshame):

“I love my ‘natural beauty,’ but being able to enhance my lips to make me feel better about myself is [just] life.”

On the other side of the coin, the celebrities who seemingly have the most tabloid trouble are those who attempt to hide their procedures.

Keeping Up with the Kardashians starlet Kylie Jenner skirted the issue and instead played up her clever makeup application skills before finally admitting she had lip injections. And newly retired supermodel Gisele Bundchen received a tall dose of attention from the New York Post’sPage Six when she was rumored to have visited a Paris plastic surgery clinic while under the cover of a burqa. Bundchen has stayed quiet about the story and the rumored rhinoplasty and breast enhancement procedures.

The moral of the story? You don’t have to be a model to be a role model. Young people appreciate real talk about topics that exist in our world today.

If you are considering cosmetic enhancement and want to discuss ways to broach the subject with the people in your life, please feel free to contact me online to request a consultation.

This month, we added an exciting treatment to our menu of facial therapies at Spa One at The Plastic Surgery Group. It’s called dermaplaning, or facial shaving, and the concept is not as taboo — or as new — as you might think. In fact, beauty enthusiasts swear that famous beauties Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and even Cleopatra all used a razor on their faces in the name of beauty.

The dermaplaning technique we offer at Spa One is far from the image you might have in your head of a Bic razor and can of Barbasol. No, dermaplaning is a process in which a trained esthetician uses a very special surgical blade to gently remove only the top layer of dead skin cells. Our plastic surgeons in Albany tout the effectiveness and safety of this simple procedure and are proud to now offer it to our deserving patients.

Here are a few benefits of dermaplaning:

Brighter complexion: The key benefit of dermaplaning is thorough exfoliation. The removal of dead cells reveals fresh, smooth skin that has a natural glow. There’s no downtime, and our estheticians typically just recommend using a good moisturizer for your aftercare.

Better bang for your beauty buck: Any exfoliation will always allow your beauty products — such as moisturizers, serums, and retinol creams — to work much better. After the unwanted dead skin is gone, these products can more deeply penetrate the surface to protect your skin and smooth out wrinkles.

Removal of peach fuzz: Dermaplaning removes this unwanted vellus hair during the exfoliation process. For a lot of women, an old wives’ tale comes to mind. You know, the one where your grandmother told you that once you shave your legs, the hairs will come back thicker and darker. That’s actually a myth. The hair will keep the same color and thickness as before. Our clients say the result is better makeup application and a more polished overall look.

The most important rule of thumb when trying dermaplaning? Seek out a trained esthetician for your treatment. He or she will have the proper surgical blade and will know how to use it just right to keep dermaplaning effective and safe. There are a number of YouTube videos promoting at-home facial shaving. Unless you’re a trained skin care expert yourself, I don’t recommend it.

We hope you’re as excited to try dermaplaning as our staff of highly trained estheticians were. You can see behind-the-scenes photos from their dermaplaning research and training on the Spa One Facebook Page.

Through the month of December, we’re offering dermaplaning at the introductory price of $125 (regularly $160). Contact us if you’d like to make an appointment.

As a plastic surgeon whose goal is to help my breast augmentation patients in Albany achieve natural-looking results, I can’t say that I’m surprised by the latest fashion movement known as “normcore.” Amused, yes. But surprised, no.

If you haven’t heard of “normcore” yet, you have probably seen it, even if you weren’t aware of it! The clothing and attitude associated with the trend are characterized by unpretentious simplicity. Anything overtly flashy is avoided. Jeans and sneakers are the hallmarks. Think Jerry Seinfeld. Yes, really.

As some take the non-extreme to the extreme, the overall theme is not just reserved for a small group of trendsetters. It has gone mainstream. Major clothing retailer Gap was quick to capitalize on the trend. Its “Dress Normal” campaign, rolled out this fall, encourages us to “Dress like no one’s watching.” It features celebrities in white button-downs and comfy, neutral pants and jackets.

Whether you take it seriously or not, this trend is mirroring a shift I have seen firsthand in recent years. Technological and surgical advances have made plastic surgery outcomes more subtle and more realistic than ever before. A few examples:

Breast implants: In 2012, the FDA approved a new wave of form-stable silicone breast implants from Sientra® known as “gummy bear” implants. MENTOR® and Allergan® now have versions, as well. These teardrop-shaped implants offer a more natural look and feel than saline. Like other types of breast implants, there are pros and cons. I recommend consulting a board-certified plastic surgeon to help you decide between implant types.

CoolSculpting®: In my opinion, this non-invasive fat freezing technology is one of the most exciting contributions to cosmetic enhancement in a long time. It’s great for reducing fat in trouble areas. The results do not happen overnight but instead appear gradually and naturally over a period of a couple of months.

Ultherapy®: This innovative, FDA-cleared energy treatment boosts collagen production without surgery, resulting in tighter, more toned skin. Our patients especially love that the results are natural-looking and, like CoolSculpting, appear gradually. The changes are more subtle and less pronounced than those from surgery.

My plastic surgery patients in Albany aren’t looking to stick out in a crowd. They don’t want to look like they’ve had breast augmentation, liposuction, or BOTOX® Cosmetic. They merely want to hold on to their youthful appearance for a bit longer, regain their pre-pregnancy shape, care for their body after surviving breast cancer, or just enhance their natural beauty. Making that possible is truly one of the most exciting aspects of my job.

While “normcore” will certainly fade away and be replaced by the next big trend, I don’t expect the new standard in good plastic surgery to change anytime soon.

My mom just called to ask me what kind of breast implants I have because she heard on the news that the French have banned silicone implants. Well, those are what I have, silicone. Should I worry? Should I have them removed?

No and No. Here’s why:

Over 1,000 incidents of implant rupture have been reported among the 30,000 women throughout Europe, as well as approximately 40,000 more women in the UK, whose breast implants were manufactured by the French company, Poly Implant Prothèse. In addition to implant rupture, they experienced severe inflammation and pain. The French government recommends that patients have their (now-banned) silicone breast implants removed. This recommendation only applies to implants from this particular manufacturer.

However, women who had a breast augmentation cosmetic surgery in Albany by plastic surgeons at the Plastic Surgery Group have nothing to worry about. Your implants were not manufactured by the French. We only use implants that are FDA approved, which are made by an American company. Our plan is to enjoy French wine and French fries, but not French implants.